STAR Fund

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STAR Fund - Helping Texas Farmers and Ranchers Recover from Disaster

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Background

Many of our fellow Texans are in need of a helping hand. Texas Agriculture farmers, ranchers, producers, and agribusiness owners are rebuilding and working toward picking up the pieces after devastating natural disasters. As these disasters continue to impact Texas farmers and ranchers, the need for donations continues.

The Fund

The STAR Fund (State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund) was created solely with monetary donations from private individuals and entities to fund disaster recovery efforts. STAR Fund money may be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners in rebuilding fences, restoring operations, and paying for other agricultural disaster relief. If you’d like to help folks impacted by the wildfire, floods or tornadoes, consider making a donation to the STAR Fund. The Program is designed to provide relief to Texas agricultural entities adversely impacted by natural disasters. Drought is not an eligible natural disaster under the STAR fund. Please refer to your local Farm Service Agency for drought assistance.

Assistance

We are Texans, and when disaster strikes, we rise up to help our neighbors. The STAR Fund is one way to do that. TDA is offering a cost share to qualified agricultural producers. STAR Fund money may be used to assist in rebuilding fences, restoring operations, and paying for other agricultural disaster relief costs needed to rebuild their agricultural operations. If the applicant's county is included in the Texas Governor’s declaration of disaster, they have 90 days from the date of his proclamation to turn in an application.

For each future disaster proclamation, TDA and the Texas Agriculture Commissioner will determine if this Program should be activated, as well as specific details including maximum award amounts.

“Every day, we depend on farmers and ranchers to provide our families with the healthy food and warm clothes that sustains our lives, and now is the time for Texas producers to lean on us,” Commissioner Miller said. “This is not a hand out, rather it’s a helping hand. I hope people will take advantage of these funds if you need them.”

Funds are not intended to compensate individuals or businesses for losses incurred, but to assist agriculture producers in cost-sharing some of the unexpected expenses associated with the repair or replacement of items necessary for their agricultural operation. See the application for more information. Verification of the damage caused by the disaster is required prior to TDA disbursing funds. Please include any pictures, certifications or other documentation of the damage.

Donations

To make a donation via check please send it to the

following address:
STAR Fund
Texas Department of Agriculture
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701

To Donate by PayPal

Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and Texas Agriculture Code, TDA is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions, gifts, grants and donations.

100% of the donations collected will be distributed to those who incurred losses related to natural disasters.

Contact

Funding Assistance Contact information

Kat Neilson
Lead Grant Specialist
Phone: (512) 463-6695

Felipe Herrera
Grant Specialist
Phone: (512) 463-7526

STARFund@TexasAgriculture.gov

Additional Resources

Click on one of the following that apply to your disaster.